Language Policy

INTRODUCTION

It is primarily by interaction through language that knowledge, skills, attitudes and values of groups and individuals within an institution are developed. The importance of language in the educational process can thus scarcely be over-emphasized. This language policy has been drafted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996; the South African Schools Act, Act 84 of 1996 (‘SASA’); the National Education Policy Act, Act 27 of 1996; applicable provincial legislation on school education; judgments of the South African courts; the International Convention on the Rights of the Child; the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of Children; the Norms and Standards for Language Policy in Public School, 1997 (GN 1701 dated 19 December 1997) and the guidelines of the Pan South African Language Board.

FACTORS CONSIDERED

In drafting this policy, the following factors have been considered.

The interests of the learners

The interests of the school community

The interests of the community in which the school is located

The capacity of the school

The resources and staff available to the school

International best practice with regard to class sizes and language in education, with specific reference to the importance of mother tongue education

LANGUAGE OF LEARNING AND TEACHING IN THE SCHOOL

While COLLEGIATE GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL is an institution in which the medium of instruction and language of office is English, it nevertheless enrolls learners and appoints teachers with divergent linguistic capacities.

MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION, ASSESSMENT AND COMMUNICATION

The medium of instruction and assessment in the school is English, with the exception of Languages other than English, in which case the medium of instruction and assessment will either include or be the language in question. The Language of communication with parents shall be English.

LANGUAGES OFFERED AT THE SCHOOL

English will be offered as a subject at Home Language level only.

Afrikaans will be offered at First Additional Language level in Grades 8 – 12.

isiXhosa will be offered at First Additional Language level in Grades 8 – 12.

5.4 English Home Language and Afrikaans First Additional Language OR isiXhosa First Additional Language will be compulsory official languages in Grades 8 – 9.

French will be offered at Second Additional Language level in Grades 8 – 12. isiXhosa will be offered at Second Additional Language level in Grades 8 – 9.

In all cases, the ability of the school to offer a language at First or Second Additional Language level, at all, or in any particular year group, will take numbers, financing and staffing capacities into account as the determining factor in the offering of the language.

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP MULTILINGUALISM

6.1 The school will, wherever practicable, arrange extra support classes for learners with poor language skills.

6.2 There are a number of awards at the School’s Annual Awards Ceremony which recognize and reward proficiency in all languages offered by the school. There is also an award for bilingualism.

6.3 From time to time special events will be planned which draw attention to the rich cultural heritage of our country and the diverse languages of its people.